SD Regents Seek Tuition Freeze From Legislature

The South Dakota Board of Regents wants to continue a tuition freeze for in-state students at the state's six public universities for another year.

The board approved an annual legislative budget request of $12.9 million Thursday, including $6.8 million in exchange for not raising tuition.

The money would cover the portion of increases to salaries and benefits that's regularly covered by tuition.

South Dakota State University President David Chicoine says the tuition freeze is a worthy investment for the state.

Chicoine says although it will cost taxpayers slightly more, the funding will keep universities like SDSU competitive in the region.

The regents also approved requests for several one-time spending items, like a Confucius Institute at Northern State. Confucius Institutes link American universities to China and its language and culture.